During my trip last year to Poland and some of the Baltic countries, I learned a lot about modern-day history and the impact the Soviet Union had in the region. My first lesson was at the PKiN in Warsaw, and the next one was at the Warsaw Uprising Monument which is what today's post is about.
It was my hubby who said we should come here, I didn't know about it, nor what the uprising movement was at the time. After visiting, I knew why he wanted to come.
There was a little museum just around the corner from the monument and we went in first. I'm glad we did, as it gave a perspective on things and a crash course for me on the whole event. The uprising happened when Poland was under German occupation during the second world war. The information board at the monument will tell you what happened.
Well, it does and it doesn't. What it doesn't tell you is that around this time, the Germans knew the alliance, led by the Soviets. were about to arrive, and they had planned to retreat from Warsaw. The Polish Home Army saw this as the perfect opportunity to start the uprising, and reclaim their country with Soviet's support. Except, the Soviets never arrived as planned, and the Home Army were left to defend for themselves.
Stalin knew that if Poland was liberated, they would form a pro western democratic county, but he wanted Poland under his communist empire. The best thing to do, was therefore let the Polish Home Army hang to dry. During the two months uprising, it's estimated 16 thousand from the Home Army died, and around 200 thousand civilian were killed. By the time the German's finally left Warsaw, they deliberately destroyed pretty much all of the city, just because they could. "The city must completely disappear from the surface of the earth" was what they said.
With the Germans gone and Poland battered to near death, now it was time for the Soviets to swoop in. Stalin took Poland under his communist wing and created the People's Republic of Poland. The heroism of the Home Army and uprising movement was a taboo and was not allowed to be mentioned. This lasted till 1988 when the Warsaw Uprising Monument was constructed, followed by Poland independence in 1993.
I'm glad I went to the little museum first before coming over to the monument. Knowing the background, meant I wasn't just looking at some cold bronze meaningless sculpture.
There were two main parts to the monument. The first was the bigger section showing men fighting amongst rubble. When you're standing in front of a 10m tall sculpture, it makes everything feel so real. Their movements, the facial expressions, the weapons they're holding, and their attire seems to bring the situation to life.
The other part of the monument consist of a few men huddled together, with one showing only his top half of his body. This particular sculpture depicts him going in (or coming out of?) a manhole. During the uprising, the underground sewage system played a big part in helping the Home Army move around undetected.
Despite it being a very nice day, it was a poignant visit. And especially so for my husband. He was quite moved by all this because he comes from Hong Kong, and a few years ago there was an uprising movement against the China iron fist rule. Unlike the Home Army, the Hong Kong uprising movement was less military or coordinated. It was actually a perfect example of a decentralised movement. And like the Home Army, the uprising in Hong Kong also failed and now everyone is silenced and many have been prisoned for taking part. I think in both cases, everyone fought for what they believe, and there was no guarantee of success or victory. But that didn't deter people from fighting even if it means losing freedom or your life. Trying to make the world a better place is the least one can do for the next generation.
Food for thought.
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